Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comforting flavors and comes together faster than you might expect, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe. The magic starts when you place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, and from there, the savory butter and garlic sauce seeps into every tender bite. It’s an easy, yet elegant way to elevate simple chicken breasts into something truly special, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the rich taste, inviting aroma, and beautiful presentation you’ll adore. Quality ingredients make all the difference, so choose fresh garlic and good butter for the best results!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a blank canvas for flavor.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds creamy richness and helps the garlic infuse into the chicken.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings that punchy, aromatic quality that makes the dish irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley): Offers a fresh, herbaceous note and a splash of color.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with butter and garlic.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky depth and a warm color.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing every other flavor.
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving: A bright finish that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature that ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout the process. An adequately hot oven is one of the secrets behind that lovely golden finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this little tip is crucial because it helps the seasonings stick better to the chicken. Next, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. These spices create the base flavor and beautifully complement the garlic and butter that will come later.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic and parsley until everything is well combined. This garlic butter mixture is what will soak into the chicken and keep it moist while baking, infusing every bite with rich flavor.

Step 4: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish

Here’s the pivotal moment: gently place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Arrange them so they have a little breathing room but aren’t swimming in space. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top, making sure each piece is well coated. This not only locks in moisture but ensures that final baked taste is out of this world.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Pop your baking dish into the oven and let the chicken bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken’s internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through but still juicy. If you’re using a thermometer, this step’s much easier and more precise.

Step 6: Broil for a Perfect Finish (Optional)

If you want a crispy, golden top, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it – that buttery garlic crust can go from perfect to burnt quick, and we want it beautifully toasted, not blackened.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time lets the juices redistribute inside the meat, making sure every bite is juicy and tender rather than dry.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your garlic butter baked chicken warm, optionally with fresh lemon wedges on the side to add a little brightness and balance. You’ve just nailed a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as cozy as it is impressive.

How to Serve Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thin lemon slices on top right before serving elevates the dish visually and adds fresh, zesty notes. These little touches make the plate pop with color and lift the richness of the butter.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, a buttery mashed potato, or a light salad featuring ingredients like baby spinach and cherry tomatoes. The goal is to complement the rich flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely dinner party presentation, nestle the chicken breasts atop a bed of creamy risotto or a pilaf with herbs and toasted almonds. You can also slice the chicken and arrange it over warm garlic bread for a fun twist that anyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, place any leftover chicken breasts and their garlic butter sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay flavorful and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the meat moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Skin-on breasts will add extra crispiness and flavor, especially if you broil at the end. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the thicker parts cook through.

Is it necessary to use fresh garlic, or can I use garlic powder?

Fresh garlic delivers a more vibrant and rich flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. If using powder, reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated and won’t provide the same aromatic texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can season the chicken and prepare the garlic butter mixture up to a day ahead and store them separately. Assemble and bake just before you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

What’s a good way to tell when the chicken is cooked without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with rosemary, oregano, or even a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. This recipe is versatile and open to your personal flavor preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the simplicity and depth of flavor you get when you place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and let the oven do its magic. This recipe is one of those reliable go-tos that impresses every time without demanding a ton of effort. I encourage you to try it soon — it’s perfect for welcoming comfort food into your kitchen with a bright, buttery, garlicky flourish you just can’t resist.

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